The male bear, weighing 60kg, had been held in a private home since 2007. He was sent to VBRC in Tam Đảo town of northern Vĩnh Phúc Province. The two monkeys (Macara Assamensis and Macara Acrtoides) will be freed into the Chư Yang Sin National Park in the central highlands province.

The Asian black bear is a vulnerable species, according to the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Animals Asia said some 150 bears rescued from households are living at the Bear Rescue Centre in Tam Đảo National Park.

Last month, Animals Asia also rescued an Asian black bear from a farm in Lâm Đồng Province.

Over 1,200 bears have been taken in recent years from farms or households, where many are bred for milking their bile, for performances or as pets. – VNS

Asian Black Bear rescued from Đắk Lắk Province by NGO Animals Asia, along with two monkeys.